Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Hematology and Oncology Patients with Pain Denise Hess, MDiv, BCC-PCHAC, Executive Director of the Supportive Care Coalition - a partnership of Catholic health care ministries from across the United States

Pain is a reality for approximately 40% of patients with cancer after treatment, for 55% during treatment, and for 66% of patients with terminal disease.In the US, opioids are the treatment of choice for cancer-related pain where pain is a constellation of physical sensations that can negatively impact cognitive and emotional states. This more-than-physical, whole person experience of pain has been called “total pain” to rightly acknowledge the all-encompassing and often completely debilitating reality of living with serious illness related pain. Total pain may not respond to pharmacologic interventions and may pave the way for the onset of suffering whereby suffering is defined as physical pain accompanied by negative cognitive interpretations. Introduced in the 1970’s by Jon Kabat-Zinn, mindfulness-based interventions provide an alternate modality to address pain and ameliorate suffering. Supported by a growing body of research, mindfulness-based interventions have potential to modify a person’s relationship to pain, reducing pain catastrophizing, and enhancing patient reported overall well-being.

For discussion and response: With roots in Buddhist religious practices, mindfulness-based interventions may not be compatible with other religious traditions. For example, are practices of non-judging, open awareness, and noticing “the mind” consistent with the tenets of the Christian faith? How are mindfulness-based practices like and unlike the Christian practice of centering prayer? How is the use of mindfulness-based interventions like and unlike the use of other psychotherapeutic modalities to address psychological disorder and suffering?​This paper presentation will provide an overview of the primary author’s publication by the same title along with critical interaction with the publication from the perspective of the author’s Christian faith.